How to get to La Serena

When planning a holiday on the Pacific coast, travellers often seek information on how to reach La Serena — the second oldest city in Chile and a popular resort hub. This region is renowned for its colonial architecture and magnificent beaches, making a trip to La Serena worthwhile for its unique blend of history and seaside leisure. Thanks to a well-developed transport network, you can get here via a quick flight or by travelling along picturesque roads by bus or car.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the resort is by air. Travellers arrive at La Florida Airport, which serves as the region's main air gateway. It receives regular flights from various parts of Chile, ensuring a steady flow of tourists.

The airport is located very close to the city limits, so the journey to the centre of La Serena will take very little time. Thanks to the terminal's convenient location, guests can begin exploring the colonial architecture or head to the ocean almost immediately after landing.

It is not possible to reach La Serena directly by train, as the city does not have an active railway station for passenger transport. The railway network in the northern part of Chile is not widely developed and is primarily focused on industrial purposes, so travellers should consider alternative travel options.

The nearest major settlements are located at a significant distance: for example, Copiapó is located almost 300 kilometres away, and Viña del Mar is more than 340 kilometres to the south. Due to the lack of convenient railway connections, tourists usually prefer comfortable intercity buses or renting a car for a trip along the scenic Pan-American Highway.

Bus services in Chile are characterised by a high level of comfort and allow you to enjoy picturesque landscapes on the way to the coast. Travellers heading from the city of Copiapó will have to cover about 298 kilometres, which usually takes just over 4 hours. The route from the resort of Viña del Mar is also popular: the road, stretching 365 kilometres, takes approximately 6.5 hours, immersing passengers in the atmosphere of the Chilean vastness.

For those planning a long journey from neighbouring Argentina, there is a route from San Juan. This is a true adventure through the Andes: the distance is about 760 kilometres, and travel time can reach up to 24 hours due to the challenging terrain and border crossing. The final point of this grand voyage will be sunny La Serena, welcoming tired travellers with an ocean breeze.

A road trip to La Serena is an excellent chance to see the change in Chile's natural landscapes at your own pace. The popular route from the city of Viña del Mar runs along the coast and takes about 4.8 hours for a distance of 426 kilometres. If you are heading from the north, from Copiapó, the scenic road of 337 kilometres will take approximately 3.8 hours, allowing you to enjoy the rugged beauty of the desert landscapes.

For those ready for winding mountain roads, an interesting option would be a trip from San Juan in Argentina. This path, spanning 487 kilometres, passes through the Andes and requires about 7.7 hours of pure driving time, offering breathtaking views of the highlands. Taxis or private transfers for such distances are expensive and can cost several hundred dollars, so most tourists prefer to rent a car for complete freedom of movement.

To ensure your trip to La Serena is as comfortable and carefree as possible, it is worth familiarising yourself with local features in advance. We have prepared a list of useful recommendations that will help you feel confident in this colourful corner of Chile.

1. Clothing and Climate. The weather here can be changeable: mornings are often foggy ("camanchaca"), days are hot, and evenings are cool due to the ocean breeze. It is recommended to dress in "layers": take t-shirts with you, but be sure to bring a windbreaker or a warm sweater for evening walks.
2. Transport. To move around the city and travel to neighbouring Coquimbo, it is very convenient to use "colectivos" (shared route taxis). They drive along fixed routes, are inexpensive, and run more frequently than regular buses. For trips to the Elqui Valley, it is better to rent a car or book an organised tour.
3. Finances. The national currency is the Chilean peso. Cards are accepted in large supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants, but for purchases at the famous La Recova market, paying for transport, and tipping, you will need cash. It is better to exchange money at official exchange bureaus (Casas de Cambio) in the city centre.
4. Health and Sun Protection. The ozone layer in this part of the hemisphere is thinner, so the sun is very active. The use of cream with high SPF (minimum 30–50) is mandatory even in cloudy weather. It is also recommended to drink only bottled water to avoid acclimatisation issues.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is Spanish. English is not understood everywhere, generally only in major tourist centres and luxury hotels. Download an offline translator or learn a few basic phrases — locals greatly appreciate attempts to speak their native language.
6. Local Etiquette. Chileans are open and friendly people. It is customary to greet others when entering a shop or lift. A standard greeting among acquaintances (and even people meeting for the first time in informal settings) involves a light touch of the right cheek against the other person's cheek.
7. What to Avoid. Do not leave belongings unattended on the beach, especially during the high season on Avenida del Mar. Also, avoid exchanging currency with street money changers — the rate may seem favourable, but the risk of fraud is high.
8. Gastronomic Advice. La Serena is famous for its papaya, which here has a special, distinctive taste that is not overly sweet. Be sure to try local delicacies: candied papaya, juice, or desserts made from this fruit — it is the region's main culinary souvenir.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of relaxation on the Pacific coast. May your introduction to the city leave only the warmest memories and brightest impressions!